At Colorado Swim School, we are committed to water safety, drowning prevention and education. Wherever there is water, there is risk. When you add children to the mix, that risk is elevated. We often have parents ask, “When is it okay for me to not watch my kids at the pool?” The answer is NEVER. It is NEVER okay to not watch your kids when they are in or around water. You, or a dedicated water watcher, must always have eyes on your kiddos when water is present. Drowning statistics are frightening and we are committed to do our part to reduce those statistics, however, we cannot do it alone and we require that YOU are an active participant in your child’s water safety, even at CSS. We are all in this together to keep our swimmers safe. We have 3 layers of safety at CSS, and you have an important role.

3 Layers of Safety at Colorado Swim School

There are many important reasons to watch your children while they are in lessons. The most important reason to keep your eyes on your kiddos is that they LOVE for you to see and celebrate their successes. We can’t tell you how many times we have seen a child float by herself for the first time, or swim the width or the pool independently, and look up with such pride, only to see mom or dad’s eyes glued to a screen — they missed the moment. The disappointment is heartbreaking. Trust us, you will thank us later when you experience this!

You are the only one who can actively watch your child for the duration of the time they are in the facility – including when they are in the water. Additionally, you are responsible for ensuring that none of your children are left unattended at ANY time while in our facility. This means no child should be in the lobby, the observation room, or on the pool deck without being accompanied by an adult. Which also means, you are required to stay on the premises while your child is at lessons.

We realize that sometimes you want a break to check social media, or email, or maybe even read the news, but we ask that you please use your time at CSS to focus on your child, swimming lessons, and safety. Work and Instagram will still be there in 30 minutes. THANK YOU!

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THE FLOAT TEST

Due to the high incidence of accidental drownings in the United States, we teach water safety skills and awareness to all children who enter our program. Our curriculum for young children integrates the back float as an essential skill. We begin teaching this skill to infants in Parent/Child classes and continue to strengthen and build upon it as children advance through the Guppy, Jellyfish and Clown Fish classes. The float test is typically administered during the Clown Fish class. It is designed to simulate a real life situation in hopes that the child will transfer the skills if he/she were to fall into a body of water.

• Your child’s instructor will reach out when he believes your child is ready for the Float Test.

Please direct any other questions you may have regarding the float test to the office staff and/or your child’s instructor.

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